In 2011 Samsung helped popularise the “phablet” with the release of the 5.3” Galaxy Note but the closest the firm have come so far to the Galaxy Mega was in the form of the Galaxy Note 8.0, which although labelled a “tablet” had the functionality to make calls.

The new 6.3” Galaxy Mega weighs 199g but the firm claim it can still be held in one hand, kept in a pocket, and generally used like a phone – despite its size. Reports haven't yet clarified if it will sport an HD or a 720p screen.

However, opinions are divided over the device. Davies Murphy Group principal technology analyst Chris Green said of the release: “There is genuine demand for larger smartphones - the problem is at what point does a smartphone turn into a tablet," he said.

"When you've got this up against your head you'd have to argue you're using a tablet and not a smartphone - it's definitely going to compromise its functionality because it's simply too big and too cumbersome to use as a traditional telephone device. But ignoring the phone functionality, as far as the rest of the smart device goes it looks quite phenomenal."

The phone is expected to come with an 8MP rear facing camera and a 1.9MP front facing one, 64GB of memory, a dual core processor and Android’s Jelly Bean 4.2. Interesting features include Group Play, which allows up to eight devices to share content via Wi-Fi, WatchON, which turns the device into a remote control for compatible television sets and ChatON which allows the user to broadcast a stream of the device's screen to other users.

Both phones will go on sale in the UK in May, but no pricing details have yet been revealed. If you fancy treating yourself to one then don’t forget to recycle your old smartphone, or tablet (or phablet!) with us here at OnRecycle. We will find you the best price, guaranteed! And don’t forget to head over and check us out on Facebook, either.

Published by OnRecycle on 2013-04-12 10:46Modified: 2015-06-19 14:06:41